'Serious and significant' concerns raised over quality of care at residential home in Carnoustie

The Care Inspectorate has raised “serious and significant” concerns over the quality of care at a home in Angus.

Braehill Lodge in Carnoustie has been issued with an improvement notice following an inspection by the national watchdog.

The service provides residential care for up to 24 people and received a favourable report from the Care Inspectorate last September.

It was previously a family-run care home until it was sold earlier this year.

Now “serious and significant concerns about the quality of care experienced by residents” have been raised following a recent inspection, with several improvements to be implemented.

By November 24, the home must ensure residents receive personal care, oral care, and nail care in accordance with their needs, wishes, and preferences.

Staff are being asked to manage residents’ medication appropriately and ensure that records are completed accurately.

Concerns were raised about the number of staff on shift to cover residents’ “basic health, safety, and wellbeing,” and that workers are deployed appropriately.

Managers must also ensure that all accidents, incidents and adverse events are investigated.

A Care Inspectorate spokesperson said: “An inspection has identified serious and significant concerns about the quality of care experienced by residents at Braehill Lodge in Carnoustie.

“We understand this is a difficult and distressing time for residents, their families and staff at the service.

“However, our first priority is always the health and well-being of residents.

“Because of our concerns, we have issued an Improvement Notice.

“This sets out the significant improvements that must be made within a specified timeframe.

“We are in contact with and monitoring the service to follow up on the required improvements.”

It said a report of the most recent inspection will be published in due course.

Sharon Saunders, operations director at Braehill Lodge, said: “Braehill Lodge was acquired at the end of March 2025. From the outset, we conducted a thorough review of the service and identified key areas for improvement.

“Since then, we have been actively implementing targeted enhancements and strengthening our operational systems to ensure full compliance with regulatory standards. We fully acknowledge the findings of the recent Care Inspectorate inspection and take all feedback very seriously.

“A comprehensive improvement plan is already in place, and we are confident in our ability to deploy the necessary resources and deliver the required actions within the specified time frames.

“To further reinforce our commitment to sustained improvement, we have appointed new management with a clear mandate to drive operational excellence and maintain continuous oversight of quality standards.

“Braehill Lodge remains fully committed to working constructively with the Care Inspectorate and all stakeholders to ensure the ongoing delivery of safe, high-quality care.”